Dr. Leonard Kupersmith, beloved former CCES Head of School, was presented with the Order of the Palmetto— the SC Governor’s highest civilian honor— on August 14, 2021. 

 

Wanting to present the award in person, former CCES Board Chairs, Edgar Norris, Eva-Marie Fox ’83, Shane Taylor, and Cary Weekes ’98, worked together to formulate a plan.  A year later, they, along with their spouses and a few close friends, surprised Leonard with an intimate lunch.  Shane Taylor, who had been hiding the award in his home since April, offered a toast.  Nancy Kupersmith then presented her husband with a wrapped box.  The contents were as much of as a surprise to her as to Leonard!

 

The Order of the Palmetto recognizes “a lifetime of extraordinary achievement, service, and contributions on a national or statewide scale.”  Leonard is the longest serving Head in CCES’s 61-year history, and his contributions to the school during his tenure (Associate Headmaster from 2006-2008, and Head of School from 2008-2020) are copious.  In addition, he regularly contributed his time and energy to Board service with the Children’s Museum of the Upstate, the Metro-YMCA, the Humane Society, and Artisphere.

 

Leonard ushered in an era of unprecedented financial health for CCES through successful fundraising efforts and astute fiscal management.  A number of philanthropic projects on the CCES campus came to be including; The Hartness Performing Arts Center, Robertson-Navarro Baseball Pavilion, extension of Linda Reeves Field to begin a lacrosse program, a new track in Carson Stadium, the Achievement Center, and new tennis courts (converting old ones into practice fields).  Beginning in the Spring of 2019 through his retirement, he successfully raised $4.5M for the CCES Endowment.  Annual Fund giving increased from roughly $550,000 when he took office, to $900,000.  Throughout Leonard’s tenure, he actively worked to ensure that CCES was accessible for all who wish to attend by supporting scholarships, financial aid initiatives, and increasing financial assistance and awards.

 

Leonard was also fueled by a passion for athletics.  He worked tirelessly on behalf of independent and charter schools across the state for equitable treatment within the South Carolina High School League.  It is no wonder that CCES won 35 State Championships under his tenure!

 

In a unique role, which has had lasting and continuing effects on the school as well as the Upstate, Leonard strengthened relationships with BMW, visiting German officials many times and solidifying a school home for all children of BMW employees from overseas. 

 

Leonard and Nancy retired to their vacation home on Seabrook Island in the summer of 2020.  Leonard’s focused passion for CCES and education as a whole will reverberate throughout the community and the state for years to come.